Photosynthesis
Name: __________________________________________ Date: __________ Div: ______
Directions: Read the Sections answer the questions about Photosynthesis.
STEP 1: Chloroplasts trap light energy
Photosynthesis is a
process in which Plants
use sunlight energy to
make glucose (sugar).
In Latin, “photo”
means “Light” and
“synthesis” means “to
make”. So,
photosynthesis means
“To make with light”.
PLANT CELL
Photosynthesis occurs
in the green leaves of
plants in a tiny
organelle called the
chloroplast. The main
function of the
chloroplast is to
produce food
(glucose) during
photosynthesis.
Chloroplasts contain the green pigment, chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs most of
the colors of light and reflects only green light. This is why leaves appear green,
because green light is reflected into our eyes.
1. What is photosynthesis?
2. What does Photosynthesis mean in Latin?
3. Where does photosynthesis occur?
4. What is the main function of the chloroplast?
5. What is the pigment found in the chloroplasts called?
6. Why do most leaves appear green?
Step 2 and 3: Inputs and Outputs
Plants absorb Water (H2O) through
their roots; transport it up their stems,
and into their leaves. Carbon
Dioxide(CO2) is taken in through small
openings in the leaves called stomata.
Much of the carbon dioxide comes
from living organisms that exhale it,
but some also comes from factory
smokestacks and car fumes.
During Photosynthesis, plants use the
energy from Sunlight to transform
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from the air and
water (H2O) from the ground into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.
The sugar is used by the plant for energy while the oxygen (02) is created as a
waste product and is released (excreted) into the air for us to breath.
The formula for photosynthesis is:
Sunlight + Carbon Dioxide
+
Water

Glucose (Sugar)
+
Oxygen
7. Where does the Water (H2O) come from?
8. Where does CO2 enter the Plant?
9. Where does the Carbon dioxide (C02) come from?
10.
What three things need to go into the plant for photosynthesis (Inputs)?
11.
What two things are produced during photosynthesis (Outputs)?
12.
What is the formula for photosynthesis?
Step 4: SUGAR = Energy
Plants are called PRODUCERS because they
PRODUCE their own food. The glucose made by
plants is used by the plant for energy and growth.
Plant energy is also used by CONSUMERS. We (and
all other animals) also use this glucose by eating
plants.
The oxygen produced by plants is released into the
air for us to breath. Photosynthesis is essential for all
life on earth, because it provides food and oxygen.
1. Why are plants called Producers?
2. What is the glucose used for?
3. What is the oxygen used for?
4. Use this Diagram of Photosynthesis to
make your own diagram of
photosynthesis:
Include these Terms: Photosynthesis,
Sunlight Energy, Oxygen, Carbon
Dioxide, Chlorophyll, Glucose/Sugar,
Water
Photosynthesis Poster
Examples
Equation: Carbon Dioxide + Water + Sunlight  Glucose (Sugar) + Oxygen
+
+

+
You will create a poster illustrating key components of photosynthesis. The poster
must include all of the following:
Name: ______________________________________Date _________ Div: ________
Information needed
on poster
Check it off once
completed
Possible Your
Points points
Poster includes an illustration of a Plant
10 pts
Energy from Sunlight
10 pts.
Water From Roots
(H2O)
10 pts.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)enters through the
Stomata in the leaves
10 pts.
Plant Cells containing Chloroplasts
10 pts.
Oxygen (O2)exits the plant through the
Stomata in the leaves
10 pts.
Glucose leaves the leaf to feed the plant
10 pts.
Write the equation for
photosynthesis
10 pts.
Poster has a title, is colored, and shows
effort.
10 pts.
Name, date and division on poster
10 pts.
Total Points: Up to 100 pts (A+)
DATE DUE: ________________________________________